Former Dutch Prime Minister Dries van Agt and his wife Eugenie have passed away simultaneously through legal euthanasia, marking a rare case of duo euthanasia in the Netherlands. The couple, who were both 93 years old, died hand in hand in their hometown of Nijmegen. The news was announced by The Rights Forum, a human rights organization founded by Agt.
Agt had been suffering from deteriorating health since suffering a brain hemorrhage in 2019 while giving a speech at a commemoration event for Palestinians, a cause he dedicated the later years of his life to. Unfortunately, he never fully recovered from the incident. Both Agt and his wife were very ill but couldn’t imagine living without each other, leading them to make the joint decision for euthanasia.
Duo euthanasia, where two people receive a fatal injection simultaneously, is still relatively uncommon in the Netherlands. However, it is slowly gaining popularity. In 2022, 29 couples opted for paired death, an increase from 16 in 2021 and 13 in the previous year.
Dries van Agt had a long and influential political career in the Netherlands. He served as the country’s prime minister from 1977 until 1982 and held various other political positions throughout his life. However, it was his visit to Israel in 1999 that sparked a change in his advocacy. He became increasingly vocal in his support for the Palestinian people and founded The Rights Forum in 2009 to advocate for a just and sustainable Dutch and European policy regarding the Palestine/Israel issue.
Van Agt was remembered by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as an authentic leader with a unique language, clear convictions, and striking presentation. Rutte referred to van Agt as his “great-great-grandfather in office.” The Dutch royal family also praised him for taking administrative responsibility during a turbulent time and inspiring many with his colorful style and personality.
The passing of Dries van Agt and his wife Eugenie marks a significant moment in the debate surrounding euthanasia in the Netherlands. As duo euthanasia gains more attention, it raises questions about the ethical and legal considerations surrounding end-of-life decisions. It also highlights the deep love and connection between couples who choose to face death together.
The legacy of Dries van Agt will be remembered for his political achievements and his unwavering support for the Palestinian people. His dedication to human rights and his founding of The Rights Forum leave a lasting impact on Dutch and European policies regarding the Palestine/Israel issue.
As the Netherlands continues to navigate the complexities of euthanasia laws and debates, the case of Dries van Agt and Eugenie serves as a poignant reminder of the power of love and the difficult decisions individuals may face at the end of their lives.
